Episode 72: Slideshow
Laslo: A night of
storms and dark turbulence is about to end at Desmond Hall. The night in which
Jean Paul cursed by the Mark of Death has committed murder against his will. He
has vowed to end his own life before he will let himself kill again. But to flee
back to the haunted Island of Maljardin in hope that the voodoo woman can save
him. Now he says farewell to his lost brother Philip. A farewell that would seem
final."
In his room Jean
Paul sits in a chair until the morning sun starts shining. He sits staring
straight ahead. Raxl walks in and
walks over to Jean Paul. "Master you have not slept." "I know." "I came to pack your things." "We're not going to Maljardin." Raxl walks to the front of the chair
facing Jean Paul. "But it is the only way I can save you. It is our only hope to
remove the curse." Jean Paul sits
with his eyes closed. He opens them and looks at Raxl. "I know." "Then save yourself, leave." "Raxl my brother needs my help. I can't
leave." "But Philip is not
here." Jean Paul stands and walks
across the room to the mirror. "Where ever he is he wants me to remain
here." "How would you know
that?" "He has appeared to me in
the guise of death. And where ever he is, whatever has happened to him whether
he is alive or dead he will be avenged." Jean Paul says angrily. Raxl shakes her head. "You know you are
risking your own life." Jean Paul
turns and walks across the room. "What kind of a man wouldn't risk his own life
for his brother?" "But if you stay
and the evil star appears again and the Mark of Death appears on your hand other
lives will suffer. They will be in danger."
Jean Paul turns to
face Raxl. "And you will be
helpless . You will kill again!" Raxl says to him. "No! I will fight this with all the
strength in my soul! I will not obey the powers that wants to control me!" Raxl walks up to him. "Think carefully
Master, can anyone resist this power?"
Jean Paul puts his hand on Raxl's shoulder. "Raxl, help me." Raxl looks down. "Perhaps the only way I
can Help you at Desmond Hall is to do as you asked. Make certain before you
commit murder again you die." Raxl says putting her hand over Jean Paul’s. "No Raxl!" He walks away from Raxl. "I
have to live for Philips sake. If I am compelled to kill again..." He turns his
back to Raxl. "It will
happen." Jean Paul turns and faces
her. "Then you must guard me. You and Quito lock me in my room. Tie me, do
anything. But curse or no curse I must live Raxl! I will
live."
Emily is in the
drawing room reading on the Desmond Family history. "Louis Jardin France in
1405. Pierre Cousteau Des Mondes was drawn and quartered. His severed head was
placed on a pikestaff for the populace to view. He had indulged in the occult
and was in league with the powers of darkness. Or so his sentence read. Severed
head." Emily looks at the picture in the book. There is a knock at the door of the
Drawing Room. Emily jumps and closes the book quickly. "Come in." Jean Paul enters. "Oh Mr. Desmond I'm glad it's
you."
"What's the matter?
You seem upset." Jean Paul says walking over to
Emily.
"Nothing I..."
Emily smiles. "Well it is something
you've seen that's disturbed you?"
"It's just a book an illustration. I live with books so much that
sometimes they seem quite so real. Even things that happened centuries ago. I'm
very silly."
"Well perhaps you
shouldn't get involved with these things right now. Perhaps if you waited for
another time." Emily looks up at
Jean Paul. "But Mr. Desmond you gave me your permission." "Yes I realize that but if it disturbs
you then it might be wise for you to end your research for now." Jean Paul says
walking to the fireplace with his back towards Emily. "But it was nothing. It was an old
manuscript about one of your ancestors who dabbled in the occult." Jean Paul turns to look at Emily. "The
occult?" "It's witchcraft. In the
days of the Inquisition people were accused of all sorts of outlandish
things." "What was the judgment
against my ancestor?" Emily opens
the book. "His head wound up on a pikestaff. And not a very pleasant death. I
suppose I had good reason to be frightened."
Jean Paul walks a
few steps towards Emily. "There's a
picture here." She picks up the book. "Here, see." "I think there are certain things in the
family history that should not be seen by anyone." Emily stands. "What do you mean? You
told me I could explore the library freely." Emily walks over to Jean Paul. "I didn't realize you would be
researching into ancient superstitions."
"But I'm not." "Miss Blair I
think it's important that you and I reconsider, perhaps for the moment you
should end your work at Desmond Hall."
"I thought you approved of my work. That you were interested in it."
Emily walks to the desk. "Well I'll read in my room so I don't disturb you."
Emily collects some books and walks to the doorway. "Mr. Desmond may I remind
you I'm not here at your invitation but at the invitation of your brother."
Emily leaves the Drawing Room. Jean
Paul walks to the desk and looks at the book Emily had been reading. "Philip."
he calls as he closes the book.
"Cousin." Laslo calls from the doorway. Jean Paul looks up.
"Yes."
"Good morning. A
fine morning after the storms last night. Have you had your breakfast?" Laslo
asks laying folders on the desk. "I
don't want breakfast." Jean Paul says turning away from Laslo. "Oh what a pity when your housekeeper
has gone to so much trouble. She told me you changed your mind, that you're not
leaving Desmond Hall." "That is
correct." "Ada will be pleased. I
take it the business you were so concerned about has somehow righted
itself." Jean Paul turns towards
Laslo. "Yes." "How fortunate you
are. The business here at Desmond Hall seems never to end." Laslo says looking
at Jean Paul. "Your job as I see it is to empty your mind of all care and worry
until you are well again."
"I'm feeling very
well thank you. Although there are some things that do disturb me." Laslo looks at Jean Paul. "Such as my brother Philips
disappearance. Now I'm going to ask you a question and I expect an honest answer
Laslo. Where is my brother?" "How
odd. How odd you should ask.. Early this morning when the house was still asleep
I received this cable from Philip." He show Jean Paul an envelope. "Jean Paul
your brother is alive and well."
Jean Paul stares at Laslo.
"Communications of
course are very poor from certain Islands in the South Pacific but we did get
word of your brother. Would you like me to read it?" Laslo asks opening the
cable. "May I see the cable?" " Mr. Laslo Thaxton, Desmond Hall,
Desmondton and so forth. Vacationing in paradise please do not disturb. But
notifying regarding Jean Paul’s whereabouts. Saw Maljardin in ruin. Signed
Philip." Laslo reads. "May I see
the cable?" "Certainly." Jean Paul
takes the cable and looks it over.
"I shall notify him immediately that you are safe and well at Desmond
Hall." "No need to. Anyone seeking
information of this kind could find that information in the area of
Maljardin." "Obviously Philip did
not receive that information." Laslo says.
"Obviously he did not go to Maljardin." Jean Paul says handing the cable
back to Laslo then leaves the room.
Walking through the foyer Jean Paul starts up the staircase. "Jean Paul you're not leaving I'm so
glad." Ada says to him from the bottom of the staircase. "Yes I'm going to stay for a time." "You don't know how happy that makes me.
And Laslo says he received a wire from Philip this morning. And Philip is fine,
isn't that wonderful. Oh everything is turning out just the way I knew it would.
Oh believe me Jean Paul we are going to have such a pleasant time together, all
of us."
"Ada?"
"Yes." "I would like to see you in my room. I
would like to talk to you about something." Jean Paul says then walks up the
stairs. "Of course. Certainly" Ada
says. "It's going to be just like old times. I promise." Ada says sadly. Laslo is pacing back and forth in the
Drawing Room when Ada walks in.
"What did you say to him?" Laslo asks. "Nothing, nothing just that I'm pleased
he's staying. And I am pleased."
"What did you say about the cable?"
"That's it's nice to have heard from Philip that's all. Oh Laslo if only
you can learn to trust him and Philip."
"I don't trust
anyone. Why should I? Jean Paul is suspicious, not quite right in the head I
think. And Philips an international gadabout." "Philip is nothing like that." Ada
says. "Tossing away money that
should belong to you." "To Cort.
The Desmond women are not in line for the Desmond inheritance. I don't mind
that, I really don't. Except for Cort that he be provided for. Oh but don't be
annoyed with me Laslo please. Philips been heard from and Jean Paul is going to
stay with us and I'm happy." Ada says walking up to Laslo. "Oh please let me be
happy."
In his room Jean
Paul paces while Raxl stands in the room across from him. "Laslo lied to me, I
know it. That cable could not have come from Philip. Philip is somewhere around
me." "My concern is with you not
Philip. You are the Master of Maljardin and the head of the Desmond family. I
must protect the Master as I've always done. And you are in danger." "And if Philip were your Master?" Jean
Paul asks walking a few steps closer to Raxl. "He is not." "And I am. Raxl I ask you to call on
whatever powers are left to you for me. I must reach my brothers spirit." Jean
Paul asks walking up to Raxl. "I
can not help you." Jean Paul walks
closer. "And I say you will." The
phone rings in the room. Raxl walks over and answers it. "Desmond Hall.
Information about what girl? Harrigan, Miss Annie Harrigan?" Raxl looks over at
Jean Paul. "Yes Miss Harrigan did come to Desmond
Hall last night. That is true. She only asked for employment. But we do not need
additional servants. No I do not know what her plans were when she left." Jean
Paul walks up to the bed listening to Raxl’s conversation. " Mr. Thaxton showed
her to the door. He was the last person to see her in the house. Yes that's all
we know. Goodbye." Raxl hangs up the phone. Raxl turns to Jean Paul . "Her
family." "You lied." "What did you want me to do Master? Give
them the location of the girl's grave." Jean Paul turns away. "They only know
that she did not report for work today. That is enough for them to know. Master
do as I advise and be silent, and I will help you find Philip." Raxl says
walking up to Jean Paul.
There is a knock at
the door. Jean Paul stares at Raxl then turns away. "Come in." The door opens and Ada walks in. "Till
later Master." Raxl says as she leaves the room closing the door behind
her. "You wanted to see me?" Ada
asks. "Yes Ada, please sit down."
Jean Paul says as he walks behind her chair. "Can I offer you a sip of sherry
like old times as they say." Ada
smiles. "For old times." Jean Paul
walks over to a table to fix their drinks. "Do you recall the time we toasted
Philip. That we took the old tradition of throwing the wine glasses in the
fireplace?" "Oh yes, yes I almost
feel as if he were here with us." Ada says as Jean Paul hands her a drink. "Do you?" "You know what I mean. Oh I guess I miss
the past more than anyone else does. The dances, the parties and the girls in
their lovely dresses. And the ladies wearing their jewels.. I would be upstairs
taking care of you and Philip but we would peek down through the staircase. It
was as if I were down there too, drinking and dancing. I think those were the
happiest days in my life." Jean
Paul smiles. "Perhaps they were mine to."
Ada looks up at Jean Paul. "Oh no not you. You went on to travel the
world and live in wonderful cities like London and Paris. And married
Erica."
"Ada."
"Oh you don't want
to talk about Erica. I'm sorry."
"Oh no, no please that isn't what I was going to say at all." Jean Paul
says touching Ada's shoulder. "You're much to apologetic Ada. It's all right."
Jean Paul steps away from her. "No I was going to ask. Ada do you believe in
ghosts?" Jean Paul asks looking into his mirror. "Ghosts?" "Yes, have you heard anything or felt
anything unusual in this house as if say Philip were trying to contact someone?"
Jean Paul asks sitting on the edge of his bed. "Philip? But we had the cable." "I didn't mean to alarm you , it's just
that there are certain questions that need answering." Ada stands and walks over to Jean Paul.
"I'll try to help you. I've always wanted to help
you."
Jean Paul looks at
Ada. "Ada are you happily married?" "Yes." "I mean your husband loves you and
treats you well?" "Most of the time
he treats me well."
"What do you know
about him? I mean of his past?" Ada
turns from Jean Paul. "Well I know , well I know he came to me when I was alone.
He didn't seem to care about my age or my lack of beauty." "Oh Ada." "Or what funds were available because he
asked me and I told him there were none. That I was living on the goodwill of my
family until Cort came into his inheritance. And he said he didn't care." Ada
starts getting upset. "Jean Paul it's very cruel of you to ask me these
questions. Don't you see I want to trust him! I have to trust him!" Ada says
rushing to the door and walks out.
"Oh Ada please I'm sorry." Jean Paul says as he quickly walks to the
door. Opening it he sees no sign of Ada, he closes the door. "I know Philip it
was cruel of me. But I was cruel for you. Oh Philip if only you can speak to me
and tell me what I must do. Philip speak to me." Jean Paul says walking across
the room. When there is no answer he lowers his
head.
In the Drawing Room
Emily is standing at the desk looking over a book when she looks up and sees
Raxl standing in the doorway. "You want to clean up?" She asks Raxl. Raxl walks
in. "I'll be out of here in a minute. I'm just collecting my things. You have
been within the Desmond family a long time haven't
you?"
"Much longer than
you could ever guess Mademoiselle."
"Then you must know things that aren't even in these books." "I'll put these books back Mademoiselle.
In the right place." she says walking to the bookcase. "I was doing so well with my research
all of it so interesting. But it seems Mr. Desmond prefers that I don't go on
with it. Do you know why?" Raxl
walks to the desk. "I do not know , but if I were you I would accept Mr.
Desmonds wishes and not ask any questions." "I'm sorry I didn't mean to pry." "I would accept the Masters warning and
leave Desmond Hall. Leave now while you may." Emily stands and stares at
Raxl.
Jean Paul sits in
his room drinking from his glass. As he sips it he hears. "Jean Paul, come see."
a child’s voice calls to him. "There's a party let's watch. They'll never see
us." Jean Paul looks around in puzzlement. The door opens and Jean Paul hears
music and laughter outside his door. He stands and walks towards the door. "Jean
Paul come see. Come see." Jean Paul looks around his room then walks out closing
the door behind him. He walks to the stairway. "Get down and peek through the
railings." the child's voice tells him. Jean Paul does as the voice tells him..
"Do you see?"
In the foyer Laslo
grabs Ada's wrists in anger. "You will never speak to Jean Paul about me again.
Do you understand?" "I said
nothing! I told you everything I said and it was nothing!" Ada cries out
struggling against Laslo. "Enough!"
Laslo says slapping Ada across the face.
Ada cries out. Jean Paul
watches from the stairway. Ada runs
from Laslo crying. Laslo turns and enters the Drawing
Room.
Jean Paul stands.
"Did you see Jean Paul?" the voice of the child asks him. Laslo holds the cable. "It doesn't
matter where Jean Paul supposes you are Philip because very soon he will be
making the same journey." Laslo throws the cable into the fireplace. Jean Paul stands and watches Laslo. "Do
you see Jean Paul?" says the child's voice. Jean Paul angrily walks
away.
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Summaries written by Debby
Graham . The slide
presentation is the work of Ron Janick.
~Ron/Bella~
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